JP2018198855A - Endoscope processor - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide an endoscope processor which can effectively suppress increase in temperature inside a housing when an error in the temperature inside the housing is detected.SOLUTION: There is provided an endoscope processor which includes, in a housing, a light source 13 for irradiating light into a subject's body, a cooling fan 15 for cooling inside the housing, and a video signal processing part 11 for processing an image signal inside the subject's body as a video signal. The endoscope processor is further provided with a fan error detecting part 17 and a temperature detecting part 14 each detecting an erroneous state related to the temperature inside the housing, and a CPU12 for instructing, when the erroneous state is detected by the fan error detecting part 17 and the temperature detecting part 14, to stop the video signal processing related to an image quality improvement in a predefined video signal processing.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  Embodiments described herein relate generally to an endoscope processor, and more particularly, to an endoscope processor including a cooling fan.

  In recent years, by inserting an elongated insertion portion into a body cavity, it is possible to observe an organ in the body cavity or perform various treatments using a treatment instrument inserted into a treatment instrument channel as necessary. Endoscopic devices are widely used.

  An endoscope apparatus is generally composed of an endoscope processor including a light source for illuminating a tissue in a body cavity, which is a subject, and a video scope including an image sensor. Illumination light emitted from the light source is applied to the subject from the distal end of the videoscope via a light guide cable inserted into the videoscope. Then, the image signal obtained by the image sensor is transmitted to the endoscope processor, and the endoscope processor performs predetermined processing on the image signal, thereby displaying the subject image on the monitor.

  In order to cool a light source that generates heat by emitting illumination light and prevent the light source from exceeding a predetermined temperature, a cooling fan is usually provided in the endoscope processor. The endoscope processor is also equipped with a thermistor to detect the temperature. When it detects that the temperature inside the housing has risen abnormally, it turns on the emergency light for the light source that most affects the temperature rise. Or reducing the amount of light or operating a cooling fan (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2).

JP 2006-136527 A JP 2010-000184 A

  In recent years, endoscope processors have increased functions other than the light source that affect the temperature rise due to higher pixel count of image signals and higher functions such as image processing. For this reason, when a temperature rise is detected, it is necessary to quickly suppress the temperature rise in the housing.

  However, in the conventional endoscope processor, when the temperature rise is detected, the cooling fan is driven to suppress the temperature rise. However, the means for suppressing the temperature rise when the cooling fan breaks down is particularly important. Not mentioned. In addition, when the cooling function is remarkably deteriorated, such as a failure of the cooling fan, it is necessary to quickly and effectively suppress the temperature rise by means of replacing the cooling fan. There was no particular mention of means.

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an endoscope processor that can effectively suppress an increase in temperature in the housing when an abnormality relating to the temperature in the housing is detected.

  An endoscope processor according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a light source unit for irradiating a subject, a fan for cooling the inside of the housing, and an imaging signal input by imaging the subject. And a video signal processing unit for processing as an endoscope processor. The endoscope processor detects a video signal processing unit that outputs a predetermined video signal process including at least basic image processing on the input imaging signal, and an abnormal state related to a temperature in the casing. And an instruction to stop video signal processing related to secondary image processing other than the basic image processing in the predetermined video signal processing when an abnormal state is detected in the abnormality detection unit Part.

  According to the endoscope processor of the present invention, when an abnormality related to the temperature in the casing is detected, the temperature increase in the casing can be effectively suppressed.

The block diagram explaining an example of the composition of the endoscope system provided with the endoscope processor concerning the embodiment of the present invention.

  Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram for explaining an example of a configuration of an endoscope system including an endoscope processor according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the endoscope system of the present embodiment includes an endoscope processor 1, an electronic endoscope (hereinafter simply referred to as an endoscope) 2 as a video scope, a monitor 3, and a server 4. Consists mainly of.

  The endoscope 2 has an elongated insertion portion that is inserted into a body cavity. A light guide cable (not shown) that transmits illumination light is inserted into the insertion portion. The rear end of the light guide cable is detachably connected to the endoscope processor 1 and transmits illumination light supplied from the light source 13 to an illumination window (not shown) provided at the distal end portion of the endoscope 2. A subject such as the inside of the body cavity is illuminated from the attached front end surface via the illumination lens 22.

  An observation window (not shown) is provided at the distal end portion of the endoscope 2 adjacent to the illumination window. A lens 23 as an objective optical system is attached to the observation window. For example, a CMOS sensor 24 is disposed at the imaging position of the lens 23 as a solid-state imaging device. The CMOS sensor 24 photoelectrically converts the formed optical image to generate an imaging signal. The imaging signal is converted into a digital signal via the A / D conversion unit 25 and then output to the endoscope processor 1.

  The endoscope processor 1 is electrically connected to a monitor 3 that displays an endoscopic image, and processes an imaging signal photoelectrically converted by an imaging means such as a CMOS sensor 24 mounted on the endoscope 2. And output to the monitor 3 as a video signal.

  The endoscope processor 1 includes a video signal processing unit 11, a CPU 12 as a control unit, and a light source 13. The endoscope processor 1 also includes a temperature detection unit 14, a cooling fan 15, a fan drive unit 16, and a fan failure detection unit 17. Further, the endoscope processor 1 includes a power source 18, a wireless communication unit 19, a front panel 21, and a front panel drive control unit 20.

  The video signal processing unit 11 performs various types of image processing on the imaging signal input from the endoscope 2 to generate and output a video signal that can be displayed on the monitor 3. The video signal processing unit 11 is connected to the CPU 12 and performs various processes in accordance with control instructions from the CPU 12.

  The video signal processing unit 11 includes an imaging signal input unit 111, a first image quality improvement processing unit 112, a preprocessing unit 113, an enlargement / reduction unit 114, a post-processing unit 115, and a second image quality improvement processing unit 116. And a video output unit 117. The imaging signal output from the endoscope 2 is input to the imaging signal input unit 111, subjected to predetermined image processing while passing through the above units in this order, and output from the video output unit 117 to the monitor 3.

  The image quality improvement processing unit 112 performs secondary image processing (image quality improvement processing that does not affect basic image output) other than basic image processing. The image quality improvement processing unit 112 performs, for example, imager flaw correction processing, noise reduction processing, freeze processing, and the like. The image quality improvement processing unit 112 is connected to the memory 118, and performs various processes using parameters and information stored in the memory 118.

  For example, when the image quality improvement processing unit 112 performs a scratch correction process, the memory 118 stores defective pixel information and correction information such as a correction coefficient. Based on the defective pixel information read from the memory 118 and the correction coefficient, the image quality improvement processing unit 112 performs pixel detection for white flaw pixels included in the digital video signal input from the imaging signal input unit 111 and surrounding pixels. Correct or interpolate values.

  When the noise reduction process is performed, the noise in the video signal is reduced using a parameter corresponding to the noise reduction level stored in the memory 118. Specifically, using the video signal of one frame (or one field) before and the video signal of the current frame (or field), a time averaging process is performed using the setting parameters read from the memory 118, Reduce random noise in images.

  When freeze processing is performed, video signals for a plurality of frames from the current frame are stored in the memory 118. Then, the video signal of one frame having the best image quality is selected from a plurality of frames stored in the memory 118, and is output as a freeze image (still image).

  The memory 118 is connected to a power source 120 for supplying a driving voltage and an oscillator 119 for generating and supplying a predetermined driving frequency.

  The preprocessing unit 113 performs various types of image processing necessary for basic image output, such as white balance processing, color matrix processing, and gamma processing, on the video signal that has been subjected to various types of processing by the image quality improvement processing unit 112.

  The enlargement / reduction unit 114 performs an enlargement / reduction process on the video signal that has been subjected to various types of image processing by the preprocessing unit 113 according to the magnification instructed by the user. The enlargement / reduction unit 114 is connected to the memory 121, and enlargement / reduction processing is performed using parameters and information stored in the memory 121. The memory 121 can also be used to temporarily store frame images when performing the enlargement / reduction processing. The memory 121 is connected to a power source 123 for supplying a driving voltage and an oscillator 122 for generating and supplying a predetermined driving frequency.

  The post-processing unit 115 performs various types of image processing necessary for basic image output, such as color tone adjustment processing, on the video signal that has been subjected to enlargement / reduction processing as necessary by the enlargement / reduction unit 114.

  The image quality improvement processing unit 116 performs secondary image processing (image quality improvement processing that does not affect basic image output) other than basic image processing. The image quality improvement processing unit 116 performs, for example, structure enhancement processing. Note that the image quality improvement processing unit 116 may be connected to a memory as necessary to store information necessary for processing.

  Video signals that have been subjected to various types of image processing by the processing units from the image quality improvement processing unit 112 to the image quality improvement processing unit 116 are converted into signals that can be displayed on the monitor 3 by the video output unit 117, and then are displayed on the monitor 3. Is output.

  The video signal processing unit 11 is connected to the CPU 12, and the operation of each unit of the video signal processing unit 11 is controlled by the CPU 12. Note that the specific image processing content in each unit of the video signal processing unit 11 is not limited to the above-described example, and other processing such as dimming processing may be added as necessary. Further, the order of the individual image processing is not limited to the above example, and the order may be changed within a possible range.

  The light source 13 is configured using a white LED, a xenon lamp, or the like, and generates white light. The light generated by the light source 13 is irradiated from the illumination lens 22 at the distal end portion of the insertion portion of the endoscope 2 via a light guide cable (not shown).

  The temperature detection unit 14 as an abnormality detection unit detects the temperature of the inside of the housing or the light source 13. As the temperature detection unit 14, for example, a thermistor is used. The temperature detector 14 may be composed of a plurality of thermistors. Each thermistor is installed in a predetermined place in the casing or near the light source 13 where there is a possibility of heat generation or temperature rise. The temperature detection unit 14 is connected to the CPU 12, and the detected temperature is output to the CPU 12.

  The cooling fan 15 is composed of one or more fans, and is installed in a predetermined place in the casing or in the vicinity of the light source 13 where there is a possibility of heat generation or temperature rise. The cooling fan 15 is driven by a fan driving unit 16 having a motor. The fan drive unit 16 is connected to the CPU 12 and causes each cooling fan to operate at the instructed rotational speed or stop the operation according to a control instruction input from the CPU 12.

  The fan failure detection unit 17 as an abnormality detection unit detects a failure of the cooling fan 15 and the fan drive unit 16 and transmits a detection result to the CPU 12. When the cooling fan 15 is composed of a plurality of fans, failure detection of each fan is performed. For example, when the operation of the motor connected to the fan is monitored and the rotation instruction is input, the motor operation is stopped, or communication with the device is interrupted unintentionally Then, it is determined that the fan has failed.

  The power supply 18 supplies a drive voltage necessary for the operation to each unit in the endoscope processor 1.

  The wireless communication unit 19 performs wireless communication with various network devices such as the server 4 installed outside. Note that communication with the network device is not limited to wireless communication, and communication may be performed by wire.

  The front panel 21 is composed of, for example, a touch-type liquid crystal panel, and displays various types of information such as setting conditions for each unit arranged in the endoscope processor 1. For example, information on the light amount of the light source 13 and information on the driving status of the cooling fan 15 are displayed. Further, it is also used for inputting an instruction from the user such as setting of image processing content. The front panel 21 is connected to the CPU 12 via the front panel drive control unit 20.

  Next, the control of the CPU 12 when a failure is detected in the fan failure detection unit 17 will be described. When the fan failure detection unit 17 detects a failure of one or more fans, the CPU 12 instructs a predetermined unit in the endoscope processor 1 to switch to the temperature rise suppression mode.

Specifically, in the temperature rise suppression mode, control is performed by selecting one or a plurality of items from the following control items (a) to (j).
(A) Reduce the amount of light in the light source 13 (b) Limit or stop each process of the image quality improvement processing unit 112 and / or the image quality improvement processing unit 116 (c) Limit the operation of the image quality improvement processing unit 112, or When stopped, the drive frequency of the memory 118 output from the oscillator 119 is slowed down. (D) When the memory 118 and / or the memory 121 is not used, the voltage supply from the connected power supplies 120 and 123 is stopped. Or the clock supply from the oscillators 119 and 122 is stopped.
(E) Instructing the front panel drive control unit 20 to restrict operation. For example, an instruction is given to reduce the operation speed, block the connection, limit a settable range (for example, disable the freeze instruction).
(F) Instructing the wireless communication unit 19 to restrict the operation (decreasing the operation speed or blocking the connection)

Hereinafter, the restriction items (g) to (i) are items that can be selected when the cooling fan 15 includes a plurality of fans, and only some of the fans have failed.
(G) With respect to the fan drive unit 16, the flow rate of the cooling air inside the housing is changed so as to compensate for the cooling air of the failed fan by changing the rotational speed limit of the fan that has not failed to control the rotational speed. (H) A movable mechanism is provided in the housing, and the flow path of the cooling air by the fan is adjusted during normal operation and abnormal operation. (I) The rotation speed of the fan that has not failed is maximized.

  That is, in addition to the method of reducing the light quantity of the light source 13 that has been used as a technique for suppressing the temperature increase of a conventional endoscope processor, a unit that contributes to the temperature increase (an image processing system unit or various communication-related items). By controlling the operation of the unit) and stopping the operation, a temperature rise suppression effect can be obtained. In addition, when the cooling fan 15 is composed of a plurality of fans and only some of the fans fail, the temperature rise is further suppressed by supplementing the failed fans with the fans that are operating normally. An effect is obtained.

  Note that the specific control items (or combinations of control items) to be executed in the temperature rise suppression mode are appropriately selected by the CPU 2 according to the number and position of the failed fans, the operation status of each unit in the normal state, and the like.

  As described above, the endoscope processor according to the present embodiment starts to suppress the temperature increase in the housing using the detection result of the fan failure detection unit 17 before detecting the temperature increase by the temperature detection unit 14. Thus, a more effective temperature suppression effect can be obtained. Further, as units other than the light source 13 that contribute to temperature rise, image quality improvement processing units 112 and 116, memories 118 and 121, oscillators 119 and 122, power supplies 120 and 123, and other image processing units that are not necessarily required for basic image output. Since the operation is limited / stopped and the operations of the units related to various communications such as the front panel drive control unit 20 and the wireless communication unit 19 are limited / stopped, a temperature rise suppressing effect can be further obtained.

  In addition, CPU2 may control each unit so that it may switch to the above-mentioned temperature suppression mode, when the temperature detection part 14 detects a temperature rise.

  Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described, this embodiment is illustrated as an example and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The novel embodiment can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. These embodiments and modifications thereof are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the invention described in the claims and the equivalents thereof.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Endoscopy processor, 2 ... Endoscope, 3 ... Monitor, 4 ... Server, 11 ... Video signal processing part, 12 ... CPU, 13 ... Light source, 14 ... Temperature detection part, 15 ... Cooling fan, 16 ... Fan Drive unit, 17 ... fan failure detection unit, 18, 120, 123 ... power source, 19 ... wireless communication unit, 20 ... front panel drive control unit, 21 ... front panel, 22 ... illumination lens, 23 ... lens, 24 ... CMOS sensor , 25 ... A / D conversion unit, 111 ... imaging signal input unit, 112, 116 ... image quality improvement processing unit, 113 ... pre-processing unit, 114 ... enlargement / reduction unit, 115 ... post-processing unit, 117 ... video output unit, 118 121, memory, 119, 122, oscillator,

Claims (8)

A light source unit for irradiating the inside of the subject, a fan for cooling the inside of the case, and a video signal processing unit for imaging the inside of the subject and processing an input image signal as a video signal. An endoscope processor for
The endoscope processor is
A video signal processing unit that performs predetermined video signal processing including at least basic image processing on the input imaging signal and outputs the video signal; and
An abnormality detection unit for detecting an abnormal state related to the temperature in the housing;
A control unit that issues an instruction to stop video signal processing related to secondary image processing other than the basic image processing in the predetermined video signal processing when an abnormal state is detected in the abnormality detection unit;
An endoscope processor, comprising:   The endoscope processor according to claim 1, wherein the control unit instructs the light source unit to reduce the amount of emitted light.   The said control part performs the instruction | indication which stops the damage correction | amendment of an image pick-up element, noise removal, a freeze process, and structure emphasis as a process in connection with the said secondary image process, The inside of Claim 1 characterized by the above-mentioned. Endoscopic processor. A memory used for performing the predetermined video signal processing;
2. The endoscope processor according to claim 1, wherein the control unit issues an instruction to reduce a drive frequency for the memory after stopping processing related to the secondary image processing. 3. The fan comprises a plurality of
The abnormality detection unit detects a failure of the fan,
2. The control unit according to claim 1, wherein, when an abnormality is detected by the abnormality detection unit, the control unit issues a control instruction to increase a rotation speed of a non-failed fan among the plurality of fans. Endoscopic processor. It further has a movable mechanism in the housing,
2. The endoscope processor according to claim 1, wherein when an abnormality is detected by the abnormality detection unit, the control unit gives an instruction to limit an operation on the front panel. The housing further includes a front panel for display,
2. The endoscope processor according to claim 1, wherein when an abnormality is detected by the abnormality detection unit, the control unit gives an instruction to limit an operation on the front panel. A communication control unit for performing communication including network connection to the outside of the endoscope processor;
The endoscope according to claim 1, wherein, when an abnormality is detected by the abnormality detection unit, the control unit instructs the communication control unit to limit operations related to the communication. Processor.

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